cilostazol · Medicine question

What is the mechanism of action of cilostazol?

iatroX medicinesPublished 8 November 2026

The answer

Answer

Cilostazol and several of its metabolites inhibit phosphodiesterase III, suppressing cyclic AMP degradation and increasing cyclic AMP in tissues including platelets and blood vessels.

Sources for this answer

Cilostazol 50 mg tabletsViatris (formerly Mylan or Upjohn) · emc · SmPC §5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties · Version 3Document updated 8 May 2026

Sources checked 8 November 2026

Explore this learning need in CPDTake this topic to CPD, then choose your learning context and available question library.

Can cilostazol be used during pregnancy?Have the safety and efficacy of cilostazol been established in children?How does erythromycin affect exposure to cilostazol?How much can cilostazol increase heart rate?Is cilostazol recommended during breastfeeding?What were the most commonly reported side effects of cilostazol in clinical trials?

loading page…

Answer

Sources for this answer

More questions about cilostazol

Answer

Sources for this answer

More questions about cilostazol

cilostazol

More clinical questions?